We had the good fortune of connecting with Danny B and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danny, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about being a service provider in this industry that “Outsiders” are unaware of is how much of “YOU” this line of work requires. I tell people all the time that all the things in my life require all of me and my business/brand is not exempt.

As a stylist, I’m not just a stylist… I’m a counselor, friend, therapist, content creator, beauty specialist, janitor, customer service rep, HR and more. In the line of working behind the chair, I have to be present, fully engaged and free of personal interference in order to deliver the Eat Beauty experience.

When clients sit in my chair their thoughts or concerns do not revolve around what it takes for me to show up. As a paying client their concerns are if you can do your job as advertised and how you’re able to make them feel while they’re in your chair. My intention is not to make my clients or any clients come
off as selfish but the reality is they are paying their hard earned money for a service and as a service provider, I believe it’s your job to give them the best experience that you can. In order to
be present for people you have to be present, available, attentive, responsive, supportive, honest, respectful etc … more than a stylist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creating Eat Beauty derived from wanting to create an environment that would promote beauty not just in physical expression but in all that you consume. So that means our conversations, extracurricular activities, thoughts, words and more. Marrying this atmosphere, education, skills, creativity and my long history in customer service gave me the upper hand in differentiating Eat Beauty from the competition.

Prior to becoming a mother or entrepreneur I was a professional dancer. I danced and toured with the late Legendary Queen herself, Ms Aretha Franklin. It was this early exposure that showed me what top level customer service was like. It was times like seeing a whole shopping mall open when it was closed so the Queen could shop in peace that gave me insight that I would later implement in various ways to always make my clients feel like legends!

Being able to merge those type of experiences along with school, motherhood, therapy sessions for my children for their disabilities, pay bills, establish a business, perfect my craft, gain and keep clients, address personal issues (your business will only go as far as you have) date etc was no where near easy lol but I’m here, still working personally, physically, spiritually and more. Whenever you have a call or purpose in life there will be opposition!

I’ve never spent much time concerned about what came at me as much as I did how can I overcome this. Life is full of various tests and trials… The problem is never the “What” it’s always the “how”… how will you allow this (the current trail) to affect you as a person (defeat or victory) , how will you become resourceful to push through, endure or overcome “this” issue.

I’ve always had a measure of faith, meaning one day it’s full, the next day it might be low and another day close to empty but I’ve NEVER ran out of faith! That’s important to me because it’s the core reason behind the reason. Take any person in the world, no matter what career or goal…if they are in pursuit it is solely because somewhere inside them, they believe that they can… beyond the belief it takes faith to actually continually, sometimes blindly continue to do whatever it takes to pursue that goal, vision or dream come to pass.

I’ve learned throughout the years that motivation is not enough… it takes strength, courage, discipline, determination, creativity, the willingness to continue to try especially in the face of challenges and failures! *Tap Tap, mic check* I want the world to know that everyone started as a novice, no one started as an expert so don’t be afraid to try even if that means trying again.

As an entrepreneur, mother, brand manager and more importantly as a Person, I want the world to know that nothing is impossible to those who believe. The desire to create doesn’t always show up in the form of entrepreneurship but be brave enough to explore yourself to find the pebbles that guide and lead you to your path!

Eat Beauty became and continues to be a safe haven, a place of creativity, education, expression and a place of beauty for our clients. I am blessed to be a generational stylist and I’m even prouder of the fact that I’m able to curate services and products that speak to all people, places, ages and identities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At 41 I can say my desires to be in the middle of the party dancing my life away is a bit behind me, it doesn’t mean I stop dancing, I just do it differently. If my best friend were to come in town, our idea of fun might include a nice jazz restaurant or a mellow speak easy that will allow us to eat good, catch up easily and just enjoy the atmosphere. I’m from Detroit where we get to experience all four seasons so going to any outdoor outings downtown is always a blast from the indoor street tents in the winter, summer festivals , spring events or Fall concerts a good time is bound to be had. We have a beautiful river walk, River boat rides, car shows, carnivals, festivals, food, museums, shopping & more than will keep us more than busy if needed.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give recognition to a few people starting with my children. I have 3 beautiful children ages 18, 16 & 6months (yes you read that right). My eldest was diagnosed with autism around the age of 4 and had it not been for that diagnosis, I never would have considered becoming a stylist or and an entrepreneur. My children are a huge part of what continues to push me. It’s important to me that they’re able to see that dreams do come true especially with a consistent work ethic.

My Dad and Mom are also people
I have to give credit to. I lost my Dad in June of 2023 which was devastating to say the least, I loss one of my biggest supporters. Without his love and support, I physically would not have been able to pursue cosmetology school to become licensed, take clients and build in the ways I was able to. My Mom exposed me to the world of beauty as she was also a licensed cosmetologist and entrepreneur! Seeing my mother create a lifestyle for her children that allowed her to be a Mother and provider was absolutely stellar. As I look back on my childhood, I’m able to see the lessons I learned unintentionally that played key factors in where I am today.

I also have a slew of friends and family members that have been more than supportive in my journey. I am also very grateful for the visionary support and mentorship I’ve received from people like Latoya Early, Welton Smith IV and Rashida “The Glam Doctor” Lashawn just to name a few.

Website: www.EatBeautyMakeup.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamdannybee

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DanielleElleBrown

Image Credits
Tyrone Holmes, The O.M.G

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